SBLive 2023-24 preseason Class 4A Washington high school girls basketball rankings
Based on conversations with coaches and statewide media, SBLive ranked the top 10 teams across the state of Washington in Class 4A girls basketball heading into the 2023-24 season:
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CLASS 4A GIRLS RANKINGS
Photo by Vince Miller
1. CAMAS
When your school-best finish (runner-up) is a bit of a disappointment, you get the idea expectations are high with the Papermakers. Efficient cast has one more go-round this winter, led by forward Addison Harris and point guard Keirra Thompson.
2. WOODINVILLE
Classification's gold standard the past half-decade, the 2022 state champions have their eyes on the big prize once again. Lineup size - only one starter is shorter than 5-foot-10 - will present problems, especially 6-foot-3 Jaecy Eggers in the pos.
3. SUMNER
Talk about "Retooling for Titletown," - this group is ready to return to the WIAA title game. Point guard Lainee Houillon makes it all go, and when she facilitates to Olivia Collins, Kawehi Borden and improved post presence, Spartans are at their best.
4. CHIAWANA
With a new coach (Gary Jonas), transfer point guard (Baylee Maldonado from Sunnyside) and change in style (high-pressure on both ends), Riverhawks suddenly become intriguing as they run entire offense through talented center Malia Ruud.
5. EASTLAKE
Giant-slaying Wolves defeated Camas for their second 4A title in past four WIAA tournaments. Hard-nosed point guard Sofia Aluas might be the state's most underrated player, and forward Tatum Wood (knee) returns to lead talented frontcourt.
6. EMERALD RIDGE
No team takes a toll playing against quite like the Jaguars. Why? Their relentless defensive pressure, led by guard Naomi Senato on the perimeter, and Jaryah McGriff and Raymiah Jackson inside, wears opponents out - and that is how they like it.
7. KAMIAKIN
Reached the final four last season, and Braves have five of their top seven players back, including a pair of rangy 6-foot-1 athletes in the frontcourt with Aubrey Herrin and Emaunii Sims, and point guard Nicole Wertenberger leading the backcourt.
8. BOTHELL
Made an early exit from the Tacoma Dome last March, but has nucleus of that state-tournament lineup back in tough 4A KingCo, including inside-outside playmaker McKylee Hawkins, who is a double-double machine, and point guard Ashlyn Peterson.
9. DAVIS OF YAKIMA
Coming off first league title in 36 years, and a state-tournament berth, the reigning 4A CBBN champions have influx of skilled ninth graders to go along with senior backcourt of Esmerelda Galindo - a bona fide scorer - and Leilani Johnson.
10. UNION
Titan's aren't tall or blessed with depth, but they have three front-line guards, including two scorers who can go off for 30-plus points any night in senior Ava Smith and sophomore Brooklynn Haywood, the area's top points getter in 2022-23.
First four out: Issaquah, Gonzaga Prep, Tahoma, Lake Stevens
